Cinderella (The Slightly Deviated Version)

Perth's final community theatre show for 2021 is a sweet little Christmas treat, that is great fun. A world premiere production, Cinderella (The Slightly Deviated Version) was written by local writer Yvette Wall for the Irish Theatre Players, and despite its local origins, this is a show very much in the British tradition. Playing to packed houses, it is being received with joy and laughter. 

A lovely looking show, playing over two levels, we are given a good solid traditional set design by George Boyd - with set painting by Ursula Kotara - nicely lit with a design by Virginia Moore-Price. Beautiful and fun costumes were designed by Lynda Stubbs, with the step-sisters’ costumes by Janine Erskine.

Featuring 23 performers, this may be the largest cast to grace the tiny Irish Club stage. Leading the show was Evie Madeleine as Cinderella, sweet and charming with a hidden inner rock-chick. She is partnered well by Kate O’Sullivan as Prince Dreamy, in a strong performance as the prince unsatisfied with royal life. (Would love to see Kate as a more traditional Principal Boy).

Baroness Von Shocker is a fabulous hiss-worthy villain, and is played with great panache by Kate Harcus, a Joan Crawford like mother who makes Mommie Dearest look rather tame. 

Obnoxious sisters are wonderfully played by Stephen Lee and Ron Arthurs. Monsterosa and Groteska are lovely drag roles and are played with excellent comic timing, great teamwork and some clever improvisation. 

Kerry Goode is a fabulous and very funny fairy who works the crowd well. Colleen Hopkins is Stella Starlet, a Russian emigree stage teacher in the style of Madame from Ballet Shoes. Stephen Walsh has fun as Savage the Cat. Canterbury is a very supportive Butler played with wisdom and class by Gaurav Singh. Shivas Lindsay plays outspoken talent show host Slyman McBowel, a Scot who calls it as he sees it, with Sarah Thilagaratnam stealing scenes and becoming an audience favourite, nailing her role as the languid Instafamous Kimmy K.

Great ensemble work from performers playing talent students and dwarfs - Charlie Erskine, Nashy MZ, Tiara Volk, Alex Westbrook and Luke Chappell - and there is a gorgeous quintet of mice played by Teagan Chang, Willow Hussey, Ciara Walsh, Indie Harlow Parker and Evelyn Ellis.  The cast is nicely completed with Stage Manager David Wall, and author Yvette Wall making brief appearances. Singing and dancing are well executed, both under the guidance of vocal coach/choreographer Connie Wetherilt - with some particularly fun choreography at times.

On opening night, scene changes were a little hesitant, but I am sure that this was an ‘early in the run issue’. 

A lovely way to finish of the year - let's hope that this second pantomime from Irish Theatre Players heralds the emergence of an annual tradition. 

Kimberley Shaw